More words related to beldame

Word Origin & History

beldam "aged woman," 1570s; earlier "grandmother" (mid-15c.), from dame (q.v.) in the sense of "mother" + bel-, M.E. prefix expressing relationship (cf. belfader, belsire "grandfather"), from O.Fr. bel, belle "beautiful, fair, fine." This "direct relationship" sense of bel is not found in French, where the prefix is used to form words for in-laws.

Example Sentences for beldame

What did the beldame mean by saying, "Keep your secret, and I'll keep mine?"

Probably any one of them was strong enough to throw the beldame out at a window.

The beldame has suggested that he must be 'liege-lord of all the elves and fays'.

"But I am not content to surrender my Madoc," yelled the beldame.

The beldame came in presently, before he had had time to shape his thoughts.

The beldame said, "My husband and my sons dwell here with me."

The beldame looked at him scornfully, and disdained to reply.

The beldame drew back after uttering this anathema, and again resumed her station near the hearth.

Again she sought the dwelling of the old hag: for the fourth time she demanded the assistance of the beldame.

The beldame took me through a cabbage-garden, and drove off a donkey who was feeding on an artichoke that grew on the very spot.